Youth in Focus

By Richard A. Ross

Young and old join hands
across the river

	TRR photo by Richard A. Ross Mrs. Jay’s second grade Sullivan West at Narrowsburg Class has made some special friends with residents of Murray Tufts Garret Manor across the river. (Click for larger image)

Sullivan West at Narrowsburg’s second graders have formed strong ties to adults at the Murray Tufts Garrett Manor across the river.

Something magical has happened. In a time when many people seem preoccupied with discussions about war and conflict, local children have found something much more positive to concentrate on. In the spirit of friendship, love and concern a group of second graders at Narrowsburg have been making a journey across the river and across the age barrier to form some deep and wonderful friendships with older people they never knew before.

Mrs. Jay’s class began this process in October with a visit to the Murray Tufts Garrett Manor in Beach Lake, Pennsylvania. She says it has been a wonderful experience that has benefited both the children and the residents. Earlier in the month she had called to set up the first visit. It is something that has been done in bygone years with other teachers including Mrs. Krauss.

In anticipation of their arrival, the residents prepared a haunted house and lunch for the kids. They greeted the children who came dressed in their Halloween costumes. After some songs and good food, each child got to meet his or her new pal. It didn’t take long for the children and their older friends to share laughter, smiles and information about each other. That led to a pen pal exchange and subsequent visits. Twenty-five residents at Murray Tufts Garrett Manor have a pen pal in Mrs. Jay’s class of 18 with some kids having more than one pal.

	TRR photo by Richard A. Ross Mr. Nathan with Richard Doolittle. (Click for larger image)

The kids have since returned each month to visit their newfound friends. Holidays have taken on a special meaning as young and old have reunited across the Delaware. So it was that at Thanksgiving, Christmas time, during the month of January and around Valentine’s Day that the children came back. Between visits, letters were exchanged. The kids are scheduled to return around St. Patrick’s Day.

Brandon Kent is one of the second graders. His grandpa George Kent passed away not too long ago. Brandon has really taken to resident Mr. John D. The children call their friends Mr. or Mrs. and use first names. Brandon says, “He’s a good person who once was a farmer. I like going over there. He likes the Yankees just like I do so I gave him a Yankee ball with all the players’ names on it.”

	TRR photo by Richard A. Ross Brandon Kent with Mr. John D. (Click for larger image)

Kristen Daly has become friends with Miss Millie. Kristen says Miss Millie likes bingo and when she was young she loved sledding. Miss Millie is fond of Kristen who she says was a little shy at first. “I’m glad they come over,” said Millie. “I look forward to their coming again.”

Mr. Nathan has become pals with second grader Richard Doolittle. Nat, as he likes to be called, said, “They’re a pleasant group and I always enjoy it when they come.” Being a pen pal is a new experience for Nat who loves to take pictures with his camera and print them out for the kids to see.

Miss Lily laughingly remembered the first time her pen pal Samantha Peck arrived. “She was very shy and wished that Doris who is better looking than me was going to be her pal. She has since become more outgoing and we’re getting along fine.” Karl Knecht has had a good time visiting Mr. Ernie. “He was a salad chef and a cyclist.” It’s fun for the kids to learn that the residents were once young people just like them.

Mrs. Jay says that her classroom aide Gina Ferranti has been so helpful in the whole process. “She’s been the wind beneath my wings.”

 Principal Rod McLaughlin has been most supportive. He has provided the kids with a bus when the weather was inclement. That has been greatly appreciated by the residents and children alike who would be terribly disappointed if they didn’t get to see each other. It’s been a great learning experience for all involved.

This week’s class in focus is caring, friendly and involved with making our troubled world a little happier and brighter.